The Doctors Teach Podcast

🎧 EPISODE 10: 5 Ways Program Coordinators Make Remediation Work Category: Team Collaboration & Logistics Remediation is a team sport—and no one keeps that team running like the Program Coordinator. In this episode, Doc Mac gives a well-deserved shoutout to the Coordinators who quietly make remediation possible. From managing schedules to documenting every decision, Program Coordinators are the ones who hold the whole process together. You’ll hear practical tips for leveraging your Coordinator’s expertise and insights on why their role is essential—not optional. What You’ll Learn: • Why Coordinators are the backbone of any successful remediation plan • How they manage schedules, documents, and communication behind the scenes • Why emotional support is a surprising—but crucial—part of their role • 4 practical ways to maximize their impact on the remediation process “If remediation is a house, the Coordinator makes sure the lights are on, the paperwork is filed, and the roof doesn’t cave in.” 🎧 Want to build a stronger remediation team? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 9: Should Residents Be Involved in Building Their Own Remediation Plan? Category: Resident Engagement & Collaboration There’s a lot of debate around whether residents should be actively involved in creating their own remediation plan. Some people think giving them too much say undermines faculty authority. Others believe collaboration is the key to success. So, what’s the right answer? In this episode, Doc Mac sets the record straight: Residents shouldn’t write the plan, but they should definitely engage with it. You’ll learn how to balance faculty leadership with resident involvement, using feedback and self-assessment to help residents reflect and grow—without losing structure or consistency. What You’ll Learn: • Why residents don’t build the remediation plan—but their input still matters • How to use self-assessments to track insight and progress • The difference between collaboration and co-creation in remediation • Three ways to involve residents without losing control of the process “You build the path. They walk it. But they can tell you where their shoes are rubbing along the way.” 🎧 Want a clearer, more structured remediation process? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 8: Brilliant but Difficult: Managing Residents Who Struggle with Teamwork and Communication Category: Interpersonal Skills & Professionalism You know the type: brilliant academically, sharp on exams, but a total wildcard when it comes to teamwork. Managing residents who excel in knowledge but fail in collaboration isn’t just frustrating—it can undermine patient care and team dynamics. In this episode, Doc Mac breaks down the challenge of dealing with academically strong but socially difficult residents. You’ll learn how to move beyond “just deal with it” and get practical, no-nonsense strategies to help them grow without sacrificing team morale. What You’ll Learn: • Why academic excellence doesn’t excuse poor interpersonal skills • How to identify when teamwork issues are more than just personality quirks • Three proven strategies to coach residents toward better collaboration • How to balance support and accountability for high-achieving but challenging residents “We’re not just training brilliant minds. We’re building collaborative, competent physicians.” 🎧 Struggling with a difficult resident? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 7: Three Common Mistakes at the End of Remediation Category: Completion & Evaluation You made it to the end of remediation—now what? The end stage can feel like a relief, but if you don’t handle it right, all that progress can unravel. In this episode, Doc Mac walks through the three most common mistakes programs make at the end of remediation—and how to avoid them. Whether it’s lack of data, vague success criteria, or poor documentation, these pitfalls can sabotage a successful outcome and create long-term issues for both the resident and the program. What You’ll Learn: Why closing out a remediation plan takes just as much intention as starting one -The three most common end-stage mistakes and how to fix them Why vague or incomplete data can undermine a successful outcome How to properly document the final decision and next steps “Don’t let a successful remediation fall apart at the finish line. If you don’t have the data, you’re not done yet.” 🎧 Need more support on ending remediation successfully? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 6: Four Strategies to Create a Culture That Embraces Remediation Category: Culture & Mindset Remediation shouldn’t feel like a dirty word. Yet in many programs, it’s treated like a secret failure instead of an opportunity for growth. In this episode, Doc Mac breaks down four practical strategies to shift your program’s mindset about remediation—from something to be whispered about to something that’s openly supported. Whether it’s how you talk about growth plans, how you celebrate progress, or how you set the tone as a leader, this episode gives you the tools to make remediation a normal, constructive part of training. What You’ll Learn: • Why stigma around remediation hurts everyone (especially the resident) • How leadership sets the tone for open conversations • Four practical strategies to normalize growth-focused plans • How to move from secrecy to transparency without losing professionalism “Remediation isn’t a punishment. It’s a plan. Let’s stop acting like it’s a secret failure and start treating it as a structured pathway to improvement.” 🎧 Need to build a stronger culture of support in your program? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 5: 5 Key Data Points to Assess a Resident’s Baseline Performance Category: Assessment & Documentation Your remediation plan is only as strong as the data it’s built on. In this episode, Doc Mac breaks down the five essential data points you need to assess a resident’s baseline performance before launching any remediation effort. If your plan is starting with “low vibes” or one bad eval, hit pause—because that’s not data, and it’s definitely not enough. This episode walks you through exactly what to gather, how to spot gaps, and why a strong foundation is non-negotiable. What You’ll Learn: • The 4 categories of strong baseline data—plus the bonus one most programs forget • Why direct observation is still king (and how to make it count) • What faculty gut feelings do—and don’t—tell you • How to use self-assessment to reveal blind spots and insight gaps “If you wouldn’t build a treatment plan without labs, don’t build a remediation plan without baseline data.” 🎧 Need a stronger foundation for your remediation process? → Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course → Or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 4: When Faculty Disagree on Remediation: How to Build Consensus and Move Forward When the CCC isn’t on the same page, how do you move forward? Doc Mac dives into the real reasons faculty disagree—and how to make decisions based on data, not anecdote. What You’ll Learn: • Why disagreement often stems from limited observation • How to use a 360-degree approach to fill in the gaps • What not to do when faculty are divided • Clear steps to pause, investigate, and move forward with confidence “Disagreement isn’t a problem. Making a decision with incomplete data is.” 👉 Download the free ELEVATE intro lesson or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 3: How to Handle Emotional Breakdowns and Angry Residents During Remediation Let’s be real—remediation meetings are emotional. In this episode, Doc Mac unpacks how to handle resident reactions like tears, silence, or defensiveness without derailing the conversation or escalating tension. What You’ll Learn: • Why emotional responses are common—and normal • Two case examples: the silent spiral + the defensive explosion • What to say in the moment (and what not to say) • 3 strategies to stay calm, supportive, and in control “Sometimes the best thing you can do for a resident in crisis… is not be the only one talking.” 👉 Tools and training available at www.docmaclearning.com

🎧 EPISODE 2: The Ultimate Guide to Documenting the Remediation Process (Without Legal Headaches) If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. In this episode, Doc Mac shares what to write down, how to write it, and why poor documentation can stop a remediation plan in its tracks—even when everyone agrees a resident is struggling. What You’ll Learn: • What counts as solid documentation—and what doesn’t • Why vague or emotional notes can hurt your case • How to summarize meetings without editorializing • 3 practical strategies to document like a pro “Your documentation should read like a court transcript, not a Yelp review.” 👉 Download the free ELEVATE intro lesson or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com

Welcome to the Resident Remediation Podcast (with Doc Mac), Your Guide to Resident Remediation Success. In this very first episode of Doctors Teach, I’m thrilled to welcome you to the show and share what this podcast is all about. If you’re a program director, faculty member, or educator navigating the challenges of resident remediation, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: -A quick introduction to who I am and why I’m so passionate about helping you succeed in remediation. -The mission of this podcast and how it’s designed to support you in your journey. -A sneak peek into the topics we’ll cover in future episodes, including practical strategies, real-world examples, and expert insights. -How this podcast will help you create a positive, lasting impact on your residents and your program. Whether you’re just starting to tackle remediation or you’ve been doing this for years, this podcast is here to provide you with actionable advice, encouragement, and a sense of community. www.docmaclearning.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me create content that truly serves you. Got a question or a topic you’d like me to cover? Reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

🎧 EPISODE 1: Resident Remediation vs. Probation: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Not all struggles are created equal—and not all require probation. In this kickoff episode, Doc Mac breaks down the difference between remediation and probation, why the label matters, and how miscommunication can lead to long-term consequences for residents and programs alike. What You’ll Learn: • The true definition of remediation • What probation really means—and when to use it • Why the resident’s standing in the program matters • 3 best practices to avoid costly documentation mistakes “Say what you mean. Document what you say. Consistency is your best friend.” 👉 Want more support? Download the free intro lesson of the ELEVATE: Remediation Fast Track course or take the Remediation Risk Assessment at www.docmaclearning.com